The meaning behind a day of remembering
In modern times, we reflect on how we show gratitude to veterans past and present
Pinning poppies to your coat lapel. Browsing through black-and-white photographs of soldiers with indiscernible expressions. Reciting “In Flanders Fields” with classmates. Sitting still and quiet for a long moment of silence.
For many of us growing up, Remembrance Day was an annual tradition observed in classrooms and by viewing archival footage, as if it were only a distant, historical artifact. War may not feel close to our, or even our parents’, experiences.
For other Canadians, war is much closer to home, particularly if they’ve fled countries in conflict.
Across generations and diversity, what exactly does Remembrance Day mean in 2016?
In the context of Canada, it means that the passage of time only increases our duty to remember, says Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr.
“We are in a very significant period of remembrance right now,” Hehr says. “Having recently celebrated the 100th anniversaries of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel, and looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge next April.”
The sacrifice in these battles was staggering — more than 24,000 Canadian soldiers were wounded or killed in four and a half months during the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel. The Dieppe Raid, a pivotal moment during the Second World War, was an offensive of 6,100 soldiers — nearly 5,000 of which were Canadian. Only 2,210 returned to England. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a celebrated Canadian triumph, but it came at an enormous cost: 11,000 Canadian casualties.
“Memories speak volumes, which is why learning about our country’s military history will ensure that future generations never forget the sacrifices of the brave men and women whose legacy is the freedom they continue to enjoy today,” Hehr says.
Stephen Quick, director general of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, says our national moments of remembrance connect all Canadians with one another, young and old, from coast to coast.
“Commemoration always begins on a personal level, even in 2016,” Quick explains. “It gives us a sense of connection to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice or who served their country and lived with the memory all their life.
“Ultimately, it is a way to connect to our family, our community and to stand together as a nation for two resounding minutes of silence that are, in reality, the deafening roar of the heartbeat of a country.” Personal account Although the great wars are now several generations behind her, Jamie Lunn is one millennial on a mission to preserve Canada’s military heritage. Her story begins at birth.
In 1988, Lunn was born missing her right arm, below the elbow. “I was my parent’s first child and they weren’t really sure what to expect down the road,” she says.
Her family was contacted by the War Amps, an organization with a history stretching back almost 100 years. Lunn’s parents were asked if they wanted to enrol their daughter in the Child Amputee (CHAMP) program, which would provide comprehensive resources for her, including funds for artificial limbs. Her parents enrolled her at 1 years old and she has been involved ever since.
As she grew up, Lunn learned the history of her benefactors. The War Amps was founded by amputee veterans returning from the First World War in 1918, based on a philosophy of “amputees helping amputees.” The group supported each other and veterans from the Second World War, providing funds and resources to help them reintegrate into society.
The program expanded to all citizens. “These servicemen were amazing people,” Lunn says. “They wanted to continue giving back to Canada . . . expanding their help to civilian amputees and child amputees.”
Today, she is the public awareness officer of the War Amps and a member of Operation Legacy — a group of young Canadians and members of CHAMP, committed to preserving Canada’s military heritage. “As a representative of Canada’s youth, we are representing that (our generation) will never forget,” Lunn says.